About Albumin (Microalbumin) - Urine
Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and its presence in urine is referred to as microalbuminuria. This can be an early sign of kidney damage, particularly in individuals with diabetes or hypertension. Under normal circumstances, albumin is not present in the urine because it is too large to pass through the kidney's filtering structures.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
0.0 - 30.0 mg/L
Women's Optimal Range
0.0 - 30.0 mg/L
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate potential kidney damage or increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, often seen in conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Low
Low levels may be associated with conditions such as malnourishment or liver disease, impacting overall protein synthesis and immune response.
Symptoms
High
May include swelling in the hands or feet, fatigue, foamy urine, increased need to urinate at night, and possible blood in the urine.
Low
Can include dizziness, excessive thirst, and fluid retention.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Levey, A. S., de Jong, P. E., Coresh, J., El Nahas, M., Astor, B. C., Matsushita, K., ... & Eckardt, K. U. (2011). The definition, classification, and prognosis of chronic kidney disease: a KDIGO Controversies Conference report. *Kidney International*, 80(1), 17-28.
- 2. American Diabetes Association. (2022). 11. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. *Diabetes Care*, 45(Supplement_1), S175-S184.
- 3. National Kidney Foundation. (2021). KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease: 2020 Update. *American Journal of Kidney Diseases*, 77(2S1), S1-S127.
- 4. Gansevoort, R. T., Matsushita, K., van der Velde, M., Astor, B. C., Woodward, M., Levey, A. S., ... & de Jong, P. E. (2011). Lower estimated GFR and higher albuminuria are associated with adverse kidney outcomes: a collaborative meta-analysis of general and high-risk population cohorts. *Kidney International*, 80(1), 93-104.
- 5. Tuttle, K. R., Bakris, G. L., Bilous, R. W., Chiang, J. L., de Boer, I. H., Goldstein-Fuchs, J., ... & Molitch, M. E. (2014). Diabetic kidney disease: a report from an ADA Consensus Conference. *Diabetes Care*, 37(10), 2864-2883.